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Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #102

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  Here’s a picture of a silt fence that serves no purpose.  My guess, it was probably installed where identified in the project plans. If a silt fence is not ponding water, it can’t capture coarse soil particles in the runoff.  A silt fence requires proper design to contain its drainage area design storm runoff, proper location on the job site, proper off-set installation, and routine maintenance to be effective in capturing coarse sediment.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager
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Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #101

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  So, the old saying is that “water is dumb and it’ll go where you direct it”.  In this case, the “directing” was inadequate and the water found its own course.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager
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Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #100

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  I know there is a LOT wrong in this picture, but what a great location for a small “J” hook or “C” shaped silt fence. Most of the time a straight silt fence is just a diversion.  If a silt fence doesn’t pond runoff, it can’t allow coarse soil particles to settle from suspension.     100 TIPS!!!   I’ve been saving the following image until now.  HA! Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager
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Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #99

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  So, what caused this failure next to a road culvert?  While many factors could have contributed to this, the mode of failure was “Soil Piping”  where internal water in the soil seeps out carrying soil particles with it.  Over time, this process results in a void or “soil pipe” from exit to entrance.  Prevention of this should include a graded filter outlet to stop the soil particles from being lost.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager
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Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #98

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  Don’t be guilty of using OLD technology. Use teepee staking and sod staples to install wattle check dams.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager
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Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #97

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  Sod staples are cheap insurance to ensure soil contact and prevent flotation of some E&SC practices.  Using more staples than specified never hurts.  ___________________________________________________________________________________   Dates for Clear Water Alabama 2026 are set for September 23-24, 2026, in the Tuscaloosa/Northport area.  Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information.
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Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #96

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  Many E&SC practices like a silt fence are to be placed mostly on a contour to pond water and allow coarse particles time to settle and be captured.  So, my question is “What do you call a silt fence that is NOT on the contour?”  The answer is “A Diversion”.  This runoff water funnels down the edge of the silt fence often washes out the backfill and results in undermining of the silt fence.   Perry L Oakes, PE Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager
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